Following the ballot of National Conference League clubs, Seaton Rangers have been voted in to join the Third Division next season.
Both Bentley and Seaton Rangers polled over 90 per cent of votes in favour of them joining the NCL which will resume its full programme of fixtures in four divisions for 2022.
Seaton and Bentley both successfully passed an extensive application process and examination of their submissions by members of the NCL Management Committee.
The management recommendation to accept these two clubs into the NCL for 2022 has now been given an overwhelming level of support from existing member clubs, and the accepted invitation to these two clubs takes the NCL Membership back to 48 clubs, that will play in four divisions of 12 teams each for next season.
The arrival of Seaton will extend the NCL footprint into the Allerdale District of Cumbria with Bentley also forging a new pathway by pushing NCL influence into the Doncaster region.
Seaton Rangers have a first-class clubhouse and playing facility with over 260 playing members from open age to Under 6’s and have recently received a grant from the RLWC Legacy Fund to improve their gymnasium.
Bentley, with a similar number of players, are currently in the progress of building a new specialised facility for the 2023 season and will play at Wheatley Rugby Union Club for 2022.
This approved arrangement will provide excellent changing, playing and social facilities for Bentley and visiting teams until they are able to operate from their own new clubhouse in 2023.
Trevor Hunt, League Chair welcomed the new additions saying: “We are delighted that both Bentley and Seaton Rangers have submitted such strong applications for NCL management and that they have accepted our invitation to play within our competition for 2022.
“They are two very strong clubs with ambitious, driven and hard-working committees and players, who have been knocking on the door of the NCL over the past few years despite the COVID issues.
“They both unlock areas that hitherto did not hold an NCL presence, and we look forward to seeing them thrive within the NCL community.
“Bentley have some work to do on their facilities, but we have every faith that with the backing of the RLWC2021 Legacy funding, they will provide the necessary facilities to make them a real force within the game.”
Miguel Blanco-Charters, the Chairman of Seaton Rangers was ecstatic when he heard the news of the club’s successful application.
He said: “Today is a very proud day for myself, the committee members, coaches and the club. This is a massive step towards everything this club has wanted to achieve for a long time. We are really looking forward to welcoming all the NCL teams to Seaton Rangers.
“A big thank you from me to all the committee members, volunteers, youth coaches and open age coaches past and present for everything you have all done to get us to this point today. We now look to our players to lead us into a new era for our wonderful club”.
Ryan Campbell, the new first-team head coach, added: “Firstly a big thank you to the committee and volunteers, as all their hard work has made this possible. It is a great opportunity for us to play in a great competition.
“Myself, the coaching staff and players are really looking forward to competing and challenging ourselves against different opposition.”
The new league season for NCL kicks off on Saturday, March 5.
